Back to health...

If you read the previous post, you know the hubby and I had a wonderful weekend in Boise with his younger sister. However, the late nights, caffeine, food indulgences and alcohol really take a toll on me. I was in dire need of a green smoothie Monday morning before heading to the ACB to pick up Lola. The people were nice and Lola received an impressive report card. She must have had lots of fun because after a few excited tail wags, she was down for the count shortly after we walked in the door and I was off to work.

Tuesday morning, it was another green smoothie for breakfast followed by lots of research for my blog on factory farming. I could write a book on that topic. There are so many studies, books and undercover videos but it all is a bit disheartening. While working away at the computer I usually have an urge to snack or sip so I decided to make some refreshing green juice.

 ELECTRIC GREEN  LEMONADE:

• 1 head of romaine lettuce
• 4-5 stalks of kale 
• 2 apples
• 1 whole lemon
• a big piece of ginger (about 1-2 inches depending on your taste)
• 1 cucumber
• Stevia for sweetener if needed

 Run all vegetables/fruit through juicer and serve over ice with a lemon wedge (and more lemon juice if needed).

For lunch I made a quick stir fry topped with a raw "peanut" sauce. I have a bag of frozen brown rice and red quinoa in the freezer that cooks up quickly and is my go-to when I need a quick grain. Our Costco sells it in the frozen food section. To that blend I added a little Bragg's Liquid Aminos (soy sauce) in addition to 1/2 c shelled edamame and 1/2 c green peas and warmed in a sauce pan on the stove.

Next, I sliced 1/2 onion, 1/2 red bell pepper, 1/2 yellow bell pepper and 2 peeled carrots. Then I chopped some fresh garlic and ginger to add a little flavor.

Warm 2 tsp olive oil + a drizzle of toasted sesame oil in a pan. Add garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes until fragrant. Add vegetables and cook for 5 min.

"PEANUT" SAUCE:
If you or someone you know has a peanut allergy (or you just love almond butter as much as I do) you must try this recipe. It tastes like an authentic Thai peanut sauce.

• 1 c almond butter (I get mine freshly ground at Fred Meyer)
• 2 Tbsp fresh ginger
• 1/2 c water (to thin out sauce as you wish)
• 4 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 c pure maple syrup - None of that leggo my eggo stuff :)
• 3 Tbsp soy sauce (Nana Shoyu or Bragg's Liquid Aminos)
• 4 tsp sesame oil
• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 serrano or jalepeno chili (or red pepper flakes)
• Fresh cilantro to taste

Blend all ingredients at high speed until smooth. This was so delicious as a sauce for my veggie stir fry but I can't wait to use it as a salad dressing or drizzled over a salmon fillet and wilted spinach. Oh,  the things you could do with it!

"Peanut" Sauce Drizzled over brown rice, red quinoa and veggies

 I loved this so much that I had the leftovers for dinner and made a quick dessert of warmed apples topped with a local GF apple-cinnamon granola. There's just something about warm fruit with hints of cinnamon in the cool months. Ok, I have errands that need to be done and a tummy that is growling. Enjoy today!

"The best way to prepare for life is to begin to live."
~Elbert Hubbard